The Nova Scotia government is overspending, and there needs to be accountability.

In her 2024 financial report, Auditor General Kim Adair is asking the province to communicate more on $1.38 billion in over-budget spending that was not approved in the legislature.

She says change is needed so that taxpayers know where public funds are going.

Adair adds this is not in line with other jurisdictions in Canada, where over-spending needs to be voted on in the legislature.

The Auditor General is recommending a change to the Finance Act for the third straight year, but so far the Houston government hasn’t implemented it.

Adair says a trend of increased debt weakens a government’s financial position, and it could impact the delivery of services in the future.